Washington Nationals Rapid Reaction: Bryce Harper continues to lead Nats to greatness
By Pablo Roa
May 17, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
FACT: Bryce Harper’s a pretty good baseball player…
That, of course, is a major understatement. We all knew Bryce Harper was in for a breakout season this year, but few expected him to be this good, this early in the season.
Harper’s been dominant all year long and has put up offensive numbers that—if the season ended today—would all but certainly earn him the NL MVP award. The 22-year-old has really turned things on over the last couple of weeks, hitting .471 with 6 homers, 10 walks and 17 RBIs over his last 10 games.
Harper has been a key player for the Nationals throughout the season and throughout the last road trip, so it’s not surprising that he had such a big impact on the result of yesterday’s game. In the game, Harper went 3-for-4 with four RBIs and a walk.
One of Harper’s hits was a big, three-run homer to left field that stretched the Nationals’ lead to 10-3 in the top of the seventh inning. While that ball traveled 372 ft. and left the park in a hurry, Harper had another hit that barely made it to the end of the infield grass and still gave the Nationals a run. When you hit a 372 ft. blast and a 8 mph, 50 ft. dribbler, and both help your team win, you know your name must be Bryce Harper.
Needless to say, Harper was a big part of last night’s game. If he continues to hit as he’s been hitting over the last couple of weeks, he will be the MVP come October. Of course, a lot has to happen between now and then. But based on his performance so far this season, he’s off to a great start.
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